Leap 2 Empower

Shaila

Leap 2 Empower is a community based podcast of real stories from everyday people who dared to leap into the unknown, into growth, into themselves. Through honest conversations, we explore the courage it takes to rise, the lessons learned along the way, and the hope that drives us forward. Because every leap whether big or small is a step toward empowerment. The “2” in our name symbolizes more than transition, it’s the bridge to becoming. It’s the leap to your higher self and to the kind of inner power that inspires others to rise. Leap 2 Empower offers both inspiration and education, reminding you that you are not alone.  Join us as we dive into real experiences, uncover practical insights, and empower you to step boldly into your future.

Episodes

  1. Mar 24

    Awakening One Leap at a Time

    Healing, Signs, and Self-Worth: Leaping into the Unknown with Aisha, Myra, and Farah Host Shaila Lalani welcomes friends Aisha, Myra, and Farah to discuss how healing is sparked by loss, discomfort, and inner nudges, and defined as returning to wholeness, gaining self-awareness, and becoming okay with who you are. They share personal turning points moving and feeling isolated, losing important loved ones, leading to practices like therapy, yoga, meditation, reading, sound baths, and spirituality exploration. The group bonds over synchronicities and “signs,” including rainbows, ladybugs, and ducks as symbols of connection after death, and they describe healing through triggers, not taking things personally, boundaries, community, and calming the nervous system. They connect money to freedom, energy, gratitude, and abundance vs. scarcity mindsets, and encourage listeners to take the leap when ready, trust divine timing, and seek joy. 01:17 Defining Healing 03:02 When Change Begins 03:59 Myra Finds Yoga 05:08 Loss Sparks Awakening 06:49 Roots and Belonging 08:37 Tools and Practices 09:22 Many Lives Many Masters 12:49 Signs and Synchronicity 15:55 Self Worth Lessons 19:07 Triggers and Mirrors 21:26 Money Beyond Numbers 22:43 Surrender With Money 23:30 Childhood Money Imprints 25:09 Abundance Vs Scarcity 26:29 If Money Walked In 27:23 Facing The Leap 30:11 Body Wisdom And Intuition 32:05 Advice For The Journey 33:51 Soul Sparks Rapid Fire 38:06 Boundaries And Bold Takeaway 40:12 Closing Reflection Thanks for tuning into Leap 2 Empower for real stories of real people who dared to leap. Follow along on Instagram @leap2empowerpodcast for updates! If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs it. And remember your leap doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.

    41 min
  2. Feb 24

    Living with an Open Heart

    Open Heart: A Cardiologist’s Leap Toward Healing Beyond the Physical Host Shaila Lalani welcomes Dr. Priya Rao Kothapalli, a four-times board-certified interventional/structural cardiologist and creator of the Open Heart podcast, to discuss the leap from identifying solely as a doctor to embracing a heart-led, creative, and spiritual approach to healing. Priya shares her early exposure to the cath lab through her father, the rarity of women in her specialty, and how working directly with the heart feels spiritual, intuitive, and deeply present. She describes growing up as a first-generation Indian American in a small Texas town, feeling pressured to fit in, and carrying perfectionism and a need to prove herself through medical training and into her first job. A series of high-stakes cases including multiple cardiac arrests and patients recounting similar experiences while clinically dead combined with personal premonition-like experiences and a catalytic relationship pushed her to question purely material views of medicine. She quit a full-time role without a plan and took a major leap into yoga teacher training in Costa Rica, which shifted her toward energy medicine concepts, rest, internal clarity, and alignment. Returning to the cath lab through short-term opportunities, she felt clearer, more connected, and more effective, emphasizing how sleep deprivation and burnout can cloud intuition—an element she sees as central to the ‘art of medicine’ and team harmony. Priya defines healing as coherence of mind, body, soul, and connection with others, and empowerment as living in alignment with one’s authentic gifts and purpose. She also discusses financial empowerment as grounding, acknowledges intimidation around finances due to lack of modeling in her South Asian upbringing, and reframes money as energetic exchange and flow. The conversation closes with Priya’s legacy of living with love and an open heart, advice to take aligned leaps despite fear, and a rapid ‘soul sparks’ segment covering what uplifts her, what grounds her, and her message that it’s important to question what is considered normal. 01:25 From ‘Just a Cardiologist’ to Creative Storyteller 02:50 Why Cardiology: Early Cath Lab Roots & Community 04:28 The Heart as a Spiritual Experience in the Cath Lab 06:58 Growing Up Different: Perfectionism, Proving, and the Box 09:18 Cardiac Arrest Cases & the Moment ‘We’re Not Alone’ 11:24 The Big Leap: Quitting, Costa Rica, and Yoga Teacher Training 15:12 Returning to Medicine Differently: Clarity, Rest, and Burnout Lessons 17:49 Intuition in Medicine: Energy, Intention, and Resonance 23:30 What Healing Means Now + Launching the Open Heart Podcast 25:56 Empowerment & Money as Energy: Financial Grounding 28:12 Legacy, Love, and Advice for Women on the Edge of a Leap 30:44 Soul Sparks Rapid-Fire Q&A 32:20 Closing Reflections: Healing Beyond the Physical Thanks for tuning into Leap 2 Empower for real stories of real people who dared to leap. Follow along on Instagram @leap2empowerpodcast for updates! If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs it. And remember your leap doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.

    34 min
  3. 10/14/2025

    Living from the Capital S Self

    Embodying Transformation: The Limitless Journey of Nancy Perry In this episode of 'Leap 2 Empower,' host Shaila Lalani dives into the transformative journey of Nancy Perry, a teacher, writer, yoga guide, entrepreneur, and creator of transformational experiences. Nancy shares how she overcame personal challenges, from dropping out of college and battling an eating disorder to becoming an influential yoga instructor and entrepreneur. Her story emphasizes the power of reconnecting with oneself, embracing vulnerability, and the importance of mindful practices like yoga. Through her book 'Little Shifts for a Big Life' and her current endeavor with Valor, Nancy continues to inspire others to take leaps of faith, embrace their true selves, and live their fullest lives. 01:40 Nancy's Early Life and Struggles 05:05 Discovering Yoga and Transformation 07:59 Journey to Entrepreneurship 11:44 Reconnecting with Self and Overcoming Victimhood 17:17 Embracing Challenges and Personal Growth 17:42 Journey into Yoga and Fitness 19:14 Writing and Publishing a Book 21:33 Understanding Empowerment 25:34 Balancing Life and Work 27:37 Transition to Valor 31:08 Self-Worth and Final Thoughts 33:29 Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion Thanks for tuning into Leap 2 Empower for real stories of real people who dared to leap. Follow along on Instagram @leap2empowerpodcast for updates! If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs it. And remember your leap doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.

    35 min
  4. 09/09/2025

    Heavy Weights, Big Faith, and the Power Within

    Embodying She-Power: Halima Khan's Journey Through Fitness and Life In this episode of 'Leap 2 Empower,' host Shaila Lalani interviews Halima Khan, a trainer, coach, and life motivator at Khango. Halima shares her journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a key figure in the fitness industry. She discusses her initial struggles with health and body image, her transition from the corporate world to pursuing her passion for fitness, and the vital role of her faith in overcoming life's challenges. The conversation delves into themes of self-discovery, resilience, and empowerment as Halima emphasizes the importance of embracing one's true self and the transformative power of fitness. The episode concludes with rapid-fire questions, shedding light on Halima's personal joys and motivations. 00:39 The Journey to Khango 02:58 Overcoming Personal Challenges 05:12 From Corporate to Fitness 12:50 Building Khango and Its Impact 19:13 Facing Financial Instability and Finding Faith 20:05 Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry 22:12 The Power of Intuition 23:29 The Importance of Routine and Mentorship 27:38 Embracing the Process in Boxing and Life 32:54 Advice for Women on the Edge 36:00 Rapid Fire: Soul Sparks 37:49 Final Thoughts and Empowerment Thanks for tuning into Leap 2 Empower for real stories of real people who dared to leap. Follow along on Instagram @leap2empowerpodcast for updates! If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs it. And remember your leap doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.

    38 min
  5. 08/12/2025

    Swinging for the fences to Value Investing

    Swinging for the Fences to Value Investing In this special episode of 'Leap to Empower: Stories that Light the Way,' host Shaila introduces the first male guest, Sadiq Dosani, an entrepreneur, investor, and community leader. Sadiq shares his journey from his early life as an immigrant to becoming a successful value investor inspired by Warren Buffet. He discusses transitioning from corporate jobs to opening his first sports bar, and eventually founding Securranty, an insurance company. Sadiq emphasizes the importance of value investing, family support, and community service. He also highlights the significance of financial literacy, the power of compounding, and maintaining integrity in investments. The conversation wraps up with insights on independence, the impact of personal loss, and the importance of choosing friends wisely. 01:21 Sadiq's Early Life and Career Beginnings 02:00 The Leap into Entrepreneurship 03:04 Founding Securranty and the Insurance Industry 04:14 Family Support and Tough Love 09:09 Value Investing Principles 13:25 Learning from Legendary Investors 18:56 Applying Value Investing in Life 22:47 Contrarian Investing and Warren Buffet's Approach 24:52 Understanding Value Investing 26:32 The Power of Compounding 31:04 Relationship with Money and Financial Wisdom 38:16 Community Service and Giving Back 40:15 Rapid Fire: Soul Sparks 42:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Thanks for tuning into Leap 2 Empower for real stories of real people who dared to leap. Follow along on Instagram @leap2empowerpodcast for updates! If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs it. And remember your leap doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.

    43 min
  6. 06/17/2025

    Coming Full Circle

    Embracing Intuition and the Courage to Start Anew: A Conversation with Stephanie Yonan In this special episode of 'Leap 2 Empower,' host Shaila Lalani sits down with Stephanie Yonan, an intuitive coach and pivotal figure in the creation of the podcast. Stephanie shares her transformative journey from a successful career in property management and investments to embracing her intuition and helping others through personal coaching.  The conversation dives deep into the challenges of starting over, the balance between financial and emotional empowerment, and the courage it takes to follow one's true calling. Stephanie also discusses her grounding practices, the importance of living in the present, and actionable advice for anyone feeling stuck. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of following whispers of intuition and making life-changing leaps. 01:20 Stephanie's Career Journey in Property Management 03:45 Challenges of Being a Woman in a Male-Dominated Industry 07:30 Discovering and Embracing Intuition 11:38 Transition to Intuitive Coaching 18:10 Facing the Pressure of Money 19:31 Taking the Leap of Faith 20:23 Embracing Financial Empowerment 22:10 The Power of Meditation 24:22 Finding Joy and Freedom 26:18 Advice for Those Feeling Stuck 31:05 Soul Sparks: Rapid Fire Questions Thanks for tuning into Leap 2 Empower for real stories of real people who dared to leap. Follow along on Instagram @leap2empowerpodcast for updates! If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs it. And remember your leap doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.

    33 min
  7. 06/02/2025

    Leaping for Family, Leading with Heart

    Leaping for Family, Leading with Heart Two moms, two lawyers, and the power of building a life that fits. Guests: Khatidja Soofi Vellani & Nadia Lakhani In this episode of 'Leap to Empower,' host Shaila Lalani is joined by Nadia Lakhani, a personal injury attorney, and Khatidja Soofi Vellani, a real estate attorney, who share their journeys of carving out successful legal careers while balancing motherhood.  Nadia and Khatidja discuss their respective paths from law school to founding their own practices, overcoming gender biases, and managing the challenges of entrepreneurship. They emphasize the importance of support systems, embracing flexibility, and the need for self-belief.  The conversation is inspirational, focusing on how these women have taken bold steps to ensure both professional success and quality family time. The episode concludes with a rapid-fire segment, offering empowering advice and mantras to listeners. 00:00 Welcome to Leap to Empower 00:11 Meet Our Inspiring Guests: Nadia and Khatidja 00:22 Nadia's Journey: From Paralegal to Personal Injury Attorney 00:52 Khatidja's Path: From Law Firms to Founding Vellani Law 01:25 Balancing Motherhood and Career 02:06 Starting Their Own Law Firms 06:05 Challenges and Triumphs in Entrepreneurship 09:00 Work-Life Balance: The Struggle and Success 10:53 Empowerment and Self-Worth in the Legal Field 15:15 Advice for Future Generations 16:44 Rapid Fire: Soul Sparks Thanks for tuning into Leap 2 Empower for real stories of real people who dared to leap. Follow along on Instagram @leap2empowerpodcast for updates! If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs it. And remember your leap doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.

    19 min
  8. 05/20/2025

    Leaping into Alignment -  Find your flow with Nittasha

    Leaping into Entrepreneurship: The Inspiring Journey of Nittasha Naidu In this inaugural guest episode of 'Leap to Empower,' host Shaila Lalani sits down with entrepreneur Nittasha Naidu. Nittasha, the founder of Elsun Med Staff and HR Consulting, shares her inspiring journey from corporate America to starting her own business. Emphasizing self-actualization, internal dialogue, and overcoming fear. She discusses how she stayed grounded through exercises such as meditation and connecting with nature.  Nittasha also highlights the importance of financial planning, having a strong support system, and knowing one's worth in business. Her story aims to empower listeners to take their own leaps into the unknown, reminding them of the vital role of self-alignment, resilience, and continuous personal growth. 01:10 Meet Nittasha Naidu: Entrepreneurial Journey Begins 01:49 The Influence of Family and Education 02:29 Corporate America to Entrepreneurship 02:58 Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and Self-Actualization 05:33 Facing Fear and Embracing Growth 07:55 Staying Grounded and Connected 10:16 Financial Considerations and Support Systems 14:40 Finding Joy and Commitment 15:09 Knowing Your Worth as a Woman Entrepreneur 16:21 Changing Strategies and Valuing Yourself 18:30 Relationship with Money 19:53 Legacy and Empowerment for the Next Generation 22:07 Advice for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs 23:53 Overcoming Life's Challenges 25:34 Fun Segment: Soul Sparks Thanks for tuning into Leap 2 Empower for real stories of real people who dared to leap. Follow along on Instagram @leap2empowerpodcast for updates! If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs it. And remember your leap doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.

    27 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Leap 2 Empower is a community based podcast of real stories from everyday people who dared to leap into the unknown, into growth, into themselves. Through honest conversations, we explore the courage it takes to rise, the lessons learned along the way, and the hope that drives us forward. Because every leap whether big or small is a step toward empowerment. The “2” in our name symbolizes more than transition, it’s the bridge to becoming. It’s the leap to your higher self and to the kind of inner power that inspires others to rise. Leap 2 Empower offers both inspiration and education, reminding you that you are not alone.  Join us as we dive into real experiences, uncover practical insights, and empower you to step boldly into your future.